Philosophy and Contemporary Society (IB)

Multiculturalism

The coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society, presenting philosophical, ethical, and political challenges.

Cultural Relativism

The belief that moral values and practices are relative to each culture and should be understood within their own context.

Universalism

The belief that certain fundamental values and rights apply to all human beings, regardless of culture.

John Rawls' Theory of Justice

A theory proposing that social and economic inequalities should benefit the least advantaged in society.

The Original Position

A hypothetical scenario where people design the rules of society without knowing their own social status.

Veil of Ignorance

A conceptual tool that ensures fairness in rule-making, as individuals do not know their own position in society.

Equal Basic Liberties

The principle that every person should have equal fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and religion.

The Difference Principle

Inequalities are only justifiable if they benefit the least advantaged members of society.

Tolerance

The willingness to accept or respect different opinions, behaviors, and beliefs.

Harm Principle

The principle that individuals should be free to act as they wish unless their actions harm others.

Self-Regarding Actions

Actions that only affect the individual and should not be restricted.

Other-Regarding Actions

Actions that affect others in harmful ways and may be legally restricted.

Negative Liberty

Freedom from external interference, such as freedom from government control.

Positive Liberty

Freedom to achieve self-mastery and personal fulfillment, including access to education and healthcare.

Legal Rights

Rights granted and protected by the law, such as the right to vote.

Human Rights

Universal moral rights that apply to all people, regardless of legal recognition.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, communication, or access to information by authorities.

Freedom of Information

The right of people to access and distribute knowledge freely.

Just War Theory

The doctrine that outlines when it is permissible to engage in warfare and under what conditions.

Pacifism

The belief that violence is never justified regardless of the situation.

Technological Determinism

The theory that technology shapes society and its values.

Social Constructivism

The theory that society shapes technology and how it is used.

Digital Divide

The inequality in access to technology and the internet.

Surveillance Capitalism

The commodification of personal data by companies for profit.

Media Bias

The tendency of media to shape public opinion unfairly due to partiality.

Echo Chambers

Social situations where beliefs are amplified and reinforced by communication and repetition within a closed system.

Affirmative Action Policies

Policies intended to promote equality and diversity, which may cause reverse discrimination.

Social Justice Theories

Theories that address the fair treatment of individuals and the social distribution of resources.

Historical Discrimination

Long-standing systemic disadvantages faced by minority groups based on various identities.

Cultural Appropriation

The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often criticized when done by a dominant culture.

Individual Choice vs. Arranged Marriages

Cultural perspectives on marriage practices that highlight differing values across cultures.

Ethnocentrism

The evaluation of other cultures according to the standards of one's own culture.

Intrinsic Human Rights

Principles thought to be inherent to all individuals, encompassing dignity and worth.

Counterterrorism

Actions taken by states to prevent, deter, or respond to terrorism.

Paternalism

The idea that authorities may restrict freedoms for the 'good' of individuals.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Civil Liberties

Personal freedoms protected from government interference.

Cultural Norms

Shared standards and guidelines that dictate acceptable behavior in a group.

Misinformation

False or misleading information distributed regardless of intent.

Public Services

Services provided by the government to its citizens, often funded through taxation.

Incitement to Violence

Speech or actions that encourage violence against others.

John Stuart Mill

A philosopher who emphasized individual freedom and introduced the Harm Principle.

Philosophical Ethics

The study of what is right and wrong, guiding moral behavior.